Sri Lanka car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Sri Lanka

These are the best prices for 6-13 Jul.
Small car
Small
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Medium car
Medium
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Large car
Large
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Van car
Van
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
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Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Sri Lanka car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Sri Lanka with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Sri Lanka?

You should book your car hire in Sri Lanka around 78 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car hire company in Sri Lanka?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Xdrive Mobility (R25,25/day), ABBYCAR (R25,92/day), and GREEN MOTION (R28,82/day).

What is the most popular car to hire in Sri Lanka?

Hires in the Small category (Class Economy Car or similar) are the most popular option in Sri Lanka, costing R551/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R473/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Sri Lanka?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Sri Lanka is May at an average cost of R583/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Sri Lanka when prices are R953/day on average, which tends to be 2 015% above the yearly average hire price for Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Sri Lanka by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R640 - R1 090

All Car Types

R2 046 - R2 593

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Sri Lanka?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Sri Lanka?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Sri Lanka?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Sri Lanka?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Sri Lanka?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Sri Lanka?

Small car hire in Sri Lanka typically costs around R836 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R640 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 64% cheaper than the average car hire in Sri Lanka, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Sri Lanka typically costs around R3 452 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R2 891 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 35% more expensive than the average car hire in Sri Lanka, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Sri Lanka typically costs around R4 610 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R3 922 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 51% more expensive than the average car hire in Sri Lanka but offer more comfort for longer trips.

SUV hire in Sri Lanka typically costs around R2 635 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R1 936 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 15% more expensive than the average car hire in Sri Lanka but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Sri Lanka typically costs around R1 759 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average R1 626 per day, which is about 8% less than the yearly average. Vans can be 23% cheaper than the average car hire in Sri Lanka, yet they are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Luxury car hire in Sri Lanka typically costs around R4 881 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R4 442 per day, which is about 9% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 54% more expensive than the average car hire in Sri Lanka but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Small

Top tips for hiring a car in Sri Lanka

  • Because Sri Lankan roads tend to be narrow, it is advised to rent a compact car; plus, the island is small enough for you to navigate in one day. If you plan to explore the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you may want to upgrade your rental car to a four-wheel drive, as the roads are more rugged and hilly.
  • Renting a car in Sri Lanka will provide you with the most freedom and save you much more time than if you used the time-consuming train service. Often, public transport cannot take you to certain areas like a car can. To navigate around the country, it is recommended that you rent a GPS device from your car hire company, which you can get for around 2,121 LKR (12 USD) per day.
  • You will find several new highways in Sri Lanka that provide great driving conditions for your rental car. The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway connects the Bandaranaike International Airport to Kelani Bridge on the coast, a route you can drive in 30m. The Southern Expressway is 161 km (100 mi) long and extends from the south in Kottawa to Matara, while the Outer Circular Expressway links the Southern Expressway to the Katunayake Expressway.
  • To make the most of driving around Sri Lanka, it is important to know the rush hours on the roads, particularly in major cities. It is advised to drive in cities and large towns like Colombo only between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm, or after 8:00 pm in the evening.
  • Small hire cars in Sri Lanka are around 30% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Sri Lanka

  • How can I find car hires near me in Sri Lanka?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • What is driving like in Sri Lanka?

    When you rent a car in Sri Lanka, you will need to drive on the left side and overtake on the right side of the road. Unless otherwise signposted, you need to give way to cars on the right. On newer highways, you will find tolls that are priced depending on the distance traveled and the car category, with prices starting at 100 LKR (0.57 USD). Road rules that must be adhered to are the prohibition of mobile phone use while driving and the requirement to wear seatbelts at all times.

  • How old do you have to be to hire a car in Sri Lanka?

    If you plan to rent a car in Sri Lanka, the minimum age for drivers is 23 years old, and they must have had a valid driver’s license for two years previously. Any drivers under 25 years old will incur a young driver surcharge. You will need to get your driver’s license validated by the Automobile Association in Sri Lanka, which can be obtained by your car hire agency for an additional fee.

  • How much does petrol cost in Sri Lanka?

    You will find that the average price of petrol is 164 LKR (0.93 USD) per liter, or the equivalent of 3.52 USD per gallon, when you rent a car in Sri Lanka. Because petrol is regulated by the government, petrol prices are the same at various petrol stations, so you do not have to shop around. Many of the island’s petrol stations are open 24h and offer self-service.

  • What are the speed limits in Sri Lanka?

    When driving on Sri Lankan roads, you will need to follow the national speed limits. In residential areas, the speed limit is 56 km/h (34 mph), and on national roads, you can travel up to 72 km/h (44 mph). On highways, the maximum speed limit is 120 km/h (74 mph).

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Car hire locations in Sri Lanka

Everything you need to know for your car hire in Sri Lanka

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The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for hire cars for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car hires listed or dates of travel. Some hire car providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the website of the respective hire car provider.